Mesa County’s Riverfront Restoration Project is Taking Root

Along the Colorado River at the disc golf course The Ponds, the Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest crew is not just planting grass — but growing the foundation of something much bigger: a healthier ecosystem, a smarter approach to land management, and a future where Mesa County’s riverfront serves both nature and the community.

This project is powered by a $35,000 “America the Beautiful” grant that Mesa County secured in 2023. Over the next three years, the funds will support native habitat restoration and the removal of invasive species in high-use recreational areas. The work has already begun:

• Drill seeding uses specialized equipment to plant native grasses in grooves created in the soil.
• The goal? Good seed-to-soil contact for better germination.
• The seed mix contains a blend of six native grass species chosen to outcompete invasive plants, reduce soil compaction, and provide wildlife habitat.

Native grasses support birds and pollinators and protect the soil by reducing erosion and helping water soak deeper into the ground, vital in our arid climate. This project supports both environmental resilience and the recreational value of the land.

“We’re doing this in stages,” Ryan Surad, Mesa County Noxious Weed and Pest Coordinator, said. “Grasses go in first because they’re more resilient to herbicide treatments. Then we can follow up with native flowering plants — Colorado Four O’Clocks, scarlet gilia, rabbitbrush — species that bring beauty, biodiversity, and educational value.”

Mesa County’s fight against invasive species is decades long. Plants like tamarisk and Russian knapweed form dense monocultures that choke out natives, use excessive water, and even deposit salt into the soil, making it harder for native plants to return.

The difference now? Instead of just removing problem species, the County is investing in revegetation — restoring balance to these ecosystems by planting native alternatives.

“I’ve seen entire wetlands taken over by purple loosestrife,” Surad added. “It’s beautiful, but it doesn’t belong here. And it’s not supporting the ecosystem like our native plants can.”

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of numerous partners. Mesa County received expert guidance on appropriate seed mixes from both RiversEdge West and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  Cottonwood pole plantings were supported by the Bureau of Reclamation, while Colorado Parks and Wildlife contributed staff, equipment, and seed for the project.  In addition, the Mesa County Road and Bridge and Facilities teams helped transport equipment and provided much-needed manpower. This collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

Establishing native grasses takes time — up to three years before the team knows if the effort was fully successful. And while there’s always a little bit of crossing your fingers involved, the future looks promising. “If we have seed left over, we’ll try again next year,” Surad says. “It’s all part of the process.”

With smart planning, collaboration, and a long-term view, Mesa County is proving that land stewardship can be practical, community-focused, and hopeful.

Want to learn more about Mesa County’s habitat restoration efforts or how you can help? Contact the Noxious Weed and Pest Department or learn more on their webpage.